Corsodoro
If you're sourcing food commodities for the European market, your buyers will almost certainly ask about food safety certification. The two dominant standards - BRC and IFS - cover similar ground but serve different markets. Choosing the wrong one can mean losing access to key retailers.
This guide explains both standards, compares them side by side, and helps you determine which certification your suppliers should hold.
What is BRC?
BRC Global Standards (now BRCGS) was developed by the British Retail Consortium in 1998. It is the most widely required food safety standard in the UK, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands. Major retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, ASDA, Waitrose, Albert Heijn, and most Scandinavian chains require BRC certification from their suppliers.
BRC assesses food safety management systems, the production environment, product control, and process control. It uses a letter grading system: AA (best), A, B, C, and D (critical non-conformities).
What is IFS?
IFS Food (International Featured Standards) was developed by German and French retail associations - HDE and FCD - in 2003. It is the primary standard in Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, and most of Southern Europe. Required by REWE, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl (in Germany), Carrefour, Auchan, Casino, and Coop Italia.
IFS uses a percentage scoring system with two levels: Foundation Level (minimum 75%) and Higher Level (minimum 95%). It also features a unique "KO" (Knock-Out) criteria system - 10 critical requirements that result in automatic failure if not met.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | BRC (BRCGS) | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | BRC Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) | IFS Food Standard (Version 8) |
| Developed by | British Retail Consortium (UK) | HDE (Germany) + FCD (France) |
| Primary markets | UK, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Oceania | Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Spain |
| GFSI recognized | Yes | Yes |
| Grading system | Letter grades: AA, A, B, C, D | Percentage score: Foundation (≥75%), Higher Level (≥95%) |
| Audit frequency | Annual (6-monthly for grade C/D) | Annual (can extend to 16 months at Higher Level) |
| Unannounced audits | Optional (earns AA+ or A+ grade) | Optional (IFS Star program) |
| KO criteria | No formal KO system (but critical non-conformities fail) | 10 KO criteria (automatic failure if any KO is rated D) |
| Number of requirements | ~380 clauses | ~325 requirements |
| Typical audit duration | 2-3 days (depending on site size) | 2-3 days |
| Cost (initial certification) | EUR 5,000 - 15,000 | EUR 5,000 - 15,000 |
| Best grade achievable | AA+ (unannounced audit, zero non-conformities) | Higher Level (95%+) |
| Report language | English (primary) | Multiple (EN, DE, FR, IT, ES) |
Which Retailers Require Which Standard?
BRC Required
- UK: Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, Waitrose, M&S, Aldi UK, Lidl UK
- Netherlands: Albert Heijn (Ahold Delhaize), Jumbo
- Scandinavia: ICA, Coop (Nordic), Kesko
- Oceania: Woolworths, Coles (Australia)
IFS Required
- Germany: REWE, Edeka, Aldi Süd, Lidl DE, Kaufland, Metro
- France: Carrefour, Auchan, Casino, Leclerc, Intermarché
- Italy: Coop Italia, Conad, Esselunga
- Belgium: Colruyt, Delhaize
- Spain: Mercadona, Eroski, DIA
Because both BRC and IFS are GFSI-benchmarked, a growing number of retailers accept either standard. Aldi and Lidl, for example, accept both in most markets. However, some buyers still have a strong preference - always check with your specific customer before choosing.
Which Should Your Supplier Have?
The answer depends on your target market:
| If you sell to... | You need... | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UK retailers only | BRC | BRC is the UK standard; virtually all major UK retailers require it |
| German/French retailers | IFS | IFS was created by German and French retail associations |
| Pan-European supply | Both BRC + IFS | Maximum market access; no retailer will reject you |
| Dutch market | BRC (preferred) or IFS | Dutch retailers lean toward BRC but increasingly accept both |
| Food manufacturers | FSSC 22000 or either | Many manufacturers prefer ISO-based FSSC 22000 over retailer-driven standards |
| Small/specialty buyers | HACCP (minimum) | Legally required in the EU; sufficient for non-retail channels |
As a broker or trading company, you should hold IFS Broker or BRC Agents & Brokers certification (depending on your market). This demonstrates that you have robust supplier approval processes, traceability systems, and crisis management procedures - even though you don't physically handle the product. At Corsodoro, we maintain IFS Broker certification and only work with suppliers holding BRC, IFS, or FSSC 22000.
Getting Both: Is It Worth It?
Many suppliers - especially those exporting to multiple European markets - hold both BRC and IFS. The advantages:
- Maximum market access - no retailer can reject you on certification grounds
- Competitive advantage - shows commitment to quality across standards
- Shared requirements - roughly 70% of the requirements overlap, so the incremental effort for the second certification is manageable
The cost of dual certification is typically 40-60% more than a single certification (not double), because much of the preparation work is shared.
Beyond BRC and IFS: Other Standards
The food safety certification landscape includes several other important standards:
- FSSC 22000 - ISO-based, increasingly popular with multinational manufacturers. See our certifications page for details.
- HACCP - The legal minimum in the EU. Required by Regulation 852/2004. Foundation for all other standards.
- ISO 22000 - International food safety management system. Broader than BRC/IFS but less retail-specific.
- SQF (Safe Quality Food) - More common in North America and Australia.
All of these are GFSI-benchmarked, meaning they are recognized as equivalent in terms of food safety rigor. The choice between them is largely driven by customer requirements and geographic market focus.